HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Natural Resources & Conservation Committee - 03/06/2024 - Recreation and Parks Committee
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
& RECREATION AND PARKS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 06, 2024
The South Burlington NRCC and Recreation & Parks Committees held a joint meeting on
Wednesday, 6 March 2024, at 6:00 p.m., in Room 301, 180 Market Street, and by GoToMeeting
remote participation.
Members present: J. Chaulot, Chair NRCC; J. Bossange; K. Boyk; L. Yankowski; J. Keenan; C.
Badalamenti Smith; L. Kupferman; A. Hayes; B. Visger; W. Sudbay; E. Buzby; M. Simoneau,
Vice Chair Rec & Parks; C. Freeman
Also present: D. Wheeler, City liaison NRCC; A. Matth, City Liaison Rec & Parks; S. Kershner;
B. Milizia; R. Doyle.
1. Welcome:
Introductions by both committees and introduction to joint meeting by staff.
2. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items:
No changes.
3. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda:
None.
4. Discussion of Parks Master Plan and Open Space Plan:
Ms. Kershner shared a slide presentation for the development and execution of the
future city open space and parks master plan. She reviewed the timeline for the
process. A consultant will be hired to write the actual plan. Key questions involved:
How best to identify and utilize existing parks and open spaces.
How to provide for changes to demographics.
How to connect open spaces and recreation trails.
A guide to transitioning a private park (parks created by developers due to LDRs)
to the city.
Balancing the needs for open spaces for passive/active recreational use and/or
conservation.
A guide for best land management practices.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE & RECREATION AND PARKS COMMITTEE JOINT MEETING 3/6/2024 | PAGE 2
The NRCC has created an inventory of existing open spaces, including existing park
space, whether they are privately or publicly owned and if the land is conserved or
not. How can the NRCC help further in this process?
The committees reiterated the necessity to make sure funds are available to handle
care and upkeep. Mrs. Milizia reminded the group of the need for areas for the canine
family members in the city. This will become a bigger concern as more development
occurs. Dogs will need passive and active recreation areas.
Other areas of concern expressed by committee members centered around:
programming activities and gaps. How about adding passive programming like nature
walks, public talks on conservation. Will the plan look at partnerships for indoor
recreational needs. Funding exists for recreation & parks – will the plan provide
funding for the open spaces? Who is vetting the consultant? City staff will make up
that committee. What about having enough staff to handle all the cleanup and
maintenance for these areas- it is a current issue. The plan will need to have a diverse
perspective. How many years is the master plan going to be designed for and what
happens if it deviates?
The 2 committees may want to add updates as an agenda item for future monthly
meetings.
Any further questions should be directed to: skershner@southburlingtonvt.gov
5. Adjourn.